Question for the ladies - mammogram callback

[StitchesGr8Fan]

A ridiculously high number of these are nothing. So try not to sweat it.

But seriously. In the future, find an imaging center that has a radiologist reading them on the spot. Then if you need extra images, you get them done right away and don't leave without knowing where you stand.

The place I go does have a radiology on site. But the problem is they don’t read them right away for routine scans, only diagnostic.
All of the cancer stories are scaring me to tears. That is my worst fear even though they classified me as low risk last year.

 

[mom2rtk]

The place I go does have a radiology on site. But the problem is they don’t read them right away for routine scans, only diagnostic.
All of the cancer stories are scaring me to tears. That is my worst fear even though they classified me as low risk last year.

Find one that reads them onsite. I go to a place that does just that. I leave either holding an "all clear slip" or with a referral to a surgeon for biopsy. They take you for your images, then have you wait in your dressing room while the radiologist reads the images and signs off. It's a thing of beauty.

The time they recommended biopsy, they actually brought me back to the radiologist so he could review the image with me, pointing out what he was concerned about, but also reassuring me that he didn't think it was anything. Thankfully it turned out to be benign. This happened to me twice (once at a different imaging center that didn't read them on the spot). My visits are always very anxiety provoking, but getting answers on the spot helps immensely.

Best of luck!

 

[Aladora]

The place I go does have a radiology on site. But the problem is they don’t read them right away for routine scans, only diagnostic.
All of the cancer stories are scaring me to tears. That is my worst fear even though they classified me as low risk last year.

As someone who has BTDT, I can say that while my diagnosis and treatment were terrible, I got through it all and came out the other side. I found out halfway through my chemo that I carry one of the BRCA2 mutations a fact which, given my family history, was 100% expected. I was able to make proactive decisions that I don't regret at all.

I won't say that having cancer made me stronger but I do know now that no matter what life throws at me, I can and will get through it. Remember, cancer is a diagnosis, not a sentence. (Not that you are likely to have to deal with it, the odds are in your favour that it is absolutely nothing!)

 

[Southernmiss]

I had a call back 3 or 4 years ago. Had a 3d mammogram then to see what was going on.

It was dense tissue. Now, I just get a 3 d mammogram and bypass the regular mammogram scares. The technician reads it when I'm in the room. Last year, I had a couple of small cysts. This year they were gone.

The callback terrified me. It was 2 weeks before Christmas and we were having a rare snow. I'll never forget it.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[loves to dive]

Hi. I‘m sorry for the stress. I completely understand your panic. I’ve been having mammograms since I was in my 20’s, I’m 47 now, my Mom has had breast cancer 3 times, and my very first one I had to go back for a needle biopsy. Talk about heart stopping. Everything turned out fine, but still. I have dense breasts and they normally have to take extra images when I‘m at my appointment. It happens every time and I get still nervous. I’m going next month for mine, Good luck.

Me too. They usually start out with a mamo, call me back for an ultrasound. I've had two biopsys (not needle, they cut me). One of each breast. One was even with me sitting up with my breast in the mamo. machine. Not fun. Just benign masses.

 

[mmbrad02]

I can definitely empathize...I just had my first mammogram last week (age 40, no family history) and yesterday I got the call that I needed to come back. They had told me not to worry if this happened but I think it's impossible NOT to worry!!

My center has two places, one for routine mammograms and one for diagnostic. My first one was regular and not read on site. Luckily when they called me, they had an option today and I took it even though it was right in the middle of the day and not the best option with my work schedule. I knew my mental state needed to know and not put it off. Today I was sent to the diagnostic center for additional images, then they had me wait, and ended up doing an ultrasound on the left breast. Seconds after the tech left the room, the radiologist came in and gave me the all clear; I have a cyst.

In my relief, I didn't think to ask any questions, I just asked if I was free to go. In hindsite perhaps I should have thought it through a little more!

They scheduled next years back at the routine mammogram center, but I'm wondering if I can call back and request it at the diagnostic center as to not go through this again.

 

[Southernmiss]

I can definitely empathize...I just had my first mammogram last week (age 40, no family history) and yesterday I got the call that I needed to come back. They had told me not to worry if this happened but I think it's impossible NOT to worry!!

My center has two places, one for routine mammograms and one for diagnostic. My first one was regular and not read on site. Luckily when they called me, they had an option today and I took it even though it was right in the middle of the day and not the best option with my work schedule. I knew my mental state needed to know and not put it off. Today I was sent to the diagnostic center for additional images, then they had me wait, and ended up doing an ultrasound on the left breast. Seconds after the tech left the room, the radiologist came in and gave me the all clear; I have a cyst.

In my relief, I didn't think to ask any questions, I just asked if I was free to go. In hindsite perhaps I should have thought it through a little more!

They scheduled next years back at the routine mammogram center, but I'm wondering if I can call back and request it at the diagnostic center as to not go through this again.

For me, the diagnostic mammogram the first time is the way to go. My insurance covers it just like a regular mammogram.

I will never go back to the other way. Peace of mind is worth it.

 

[Mia22]

It’s that time of year for me. Had my annual mammogram and automated ultrasound yesterday. Today they called back and said they noticed changes so I have to go back. Of course I’m an now freaking out (I have extreme health anxiety). Who has had this same thing happen and it was fine? I have gained 35 lbs since my last one last January.

This is very common! Don’t stress, they may not have gotten a quality image. Feel assured that you have a provider who is careful and thorough. I had a call back last time without a problem. Try not to worry too much!

 

[a1tinkfans]

Hang in there, hoping the Luck is with you and this is Nothing!
another BC Survivor!

 

[pinkxray]

Mammo tech here- it’s is very common to be called back.
I know it is easier said then done, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
As others have said it is very nice that when you have a diagnostic mammo, you leave having the results.
Good luck!

 

[mom2rtk]

Mammo tech here- it’s is very common to be called back.
I know it is easier said then done, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
As others have said it is very nice that when you have a diagnostic mammo, you leave having the results.
Good luck!

It's also nice to leave with results from a routine screening mammo.

 

[pinkxray]

It's also nice to leave with results from a routine screening mammo.

That would be awesome. I don’t know of too many places in my area that offer that. Before I saw it on these boards, I didn’t know this existed. It always seem like my hospital/ off site places are short when it comes to radiologists who read mammo. Most of the time on our routine screening days we don’t have a radiologist reading that day. (I don’t agree with this at all, but I don’t have a say in that)

 

[720L]

Another one with dense breasts that usually gets a callback. Don't worry, it's totally normal to get a callback. This year I have a cluster of cysts they are "watching", so I have to go back in 6 months for another ultrasound. They said they aren't worried about cancer, just want to watch them. It still scares me. Oh and the bill I'm going to get scares me. My mammo & ultrasound was over $1000.00!! My insurance doesn't cover diagnostic. I'm thinking of skipping the ultrasound.

 

[snappy]

I got a call back on my mammogram in 2014. It was cancer. I was a Stage 1 in situ (nothing in the lymph nodes). I had a mastectomy and am six years cancer free. My call back was not good news, but my mammogram saved my life. I wish you good luck.

I had the same experience, in 2004.

 

[mom2rtk]

That would be awesome. I don’t know of too many places in my area that offer that. Before I saw it on these boards, I didn’t know this existed. It always seem like my hospital/ off site places are short when it comes to radiologists who read mammo. Most of the time on our routine screening days we don’t have a radiologist reading that day. (I don’t agree with this at all, but I don’t have a say in that)

That's really unfortunate. After my bad experience at a different location in 2002, a friend pointed me to a small chain of imaging centers here in KC. I've had on the spot screening mammogram reading done there since 2003. I highly recommend anyone with a similar service in their area use it. It does wonders for your mental health. I get excited before I go, knowing there's a high likelihood I will walk out that day with my mind at ease.

 

[DisneyTeacher]

I’ve had several call backs and they have all turned out to either be nothing or a cyst. It’s always stressful no matter how much I try not to worry. Between a family history of BC and dense breasts mammograms are always stressful for me. I wish I could tell you not to worry too much but that’s just not easy to do, however, call backs are common.

 

[Skippy918]

Another one with dense breasts that usually gets a callback. Don't worry, it's totally normal to get a callback. This year I have a cluster of cysts they are "watching", so I have to go back in 6 months for another ultrasound. They said they aren't worried about cancer, just want to watch them. It still scares me. Oh and the bill I'm going to get scares me. My mammo & ultrasound was over $1000.00!! My insurance doesn't cover diagnostic. I'm thinking of skipping the ultrasound.

My diagnostic mammo and ultrasound were around $700. I’m on a high deductible plan. That was the negotiated rate.

 

[Skippy918]

Mammo tech here- it’s is very common to be called back.
I know it is easier said then done, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
As others have said it is very nice that when you have a diagnostic mammo, you leave having the results.
Good luck!

Is there a difference between a screening mammo and a diagnostic one? Is one more thorough than the other?

 

[720L]

My diagnostic mammo and ultrasound were around $700. I’m on a high deductible plan. That was the negotiated rate.

So I can negotiate?? If I hadn't mentioned a new lump, it would've been covered. Makes zero sense.

 

[720L]

Is there a difference between a screening mammo and a diagnostic one? Is one more thorough than the other?

I think diagnostic takes more images??